About the Ensembles

The Northside Youth Symphony has 3 distinct performing groups. There is no age requirement for any group, rather, admission is determined by the individual student's mastery of their instrument. In addition to the Tuesday evening schedule below, extra sessions are held approximately once a month on pre-determined Thursday nights for all members to attend the World Music Curriculum presentations.

Details regarding our performing groups:

Repertory Training Orchestra

Meeting Time: Tuesday Nights, 5:15-6:15 PM
Registration Fee: $145 per Semester + $50 fundraiser fee

Section Requirements:
Strings:
  • Can play on all four strings.
  • Beginning note-reading.
  • Tapes or finger numbers are OK.
  • Knows basic note values.
  • Studying in Suzuki Book 1 (or comparable)
    		•

    Symphony Orchestra / Honor Band*

    Meeting Time: Tuesday Nights, 6:30-8:00 PM
    Registration Fee: $225 per Semester + $50 fundraiser fee

    Section Requirements:
    Strings:
  • Can read notes without the "numbers".
  • Beginning Third Position.
  • Limited use of tapes.
  • Beginning vibrato.
  • Can play 16th note rhythms.
  • Can Slur, beginning Spiccato.
  • Studying in Suzuki Books 2 & 3 (or comparable).
    		•  Woodwind/Brass:
  • Can read music.
  • No fingerings-understands charts.
  • Proficiency in both high and low registers.
  • Can tongue 16th note rhythms.
    		•  Percussion:
  • Adv. rudiments mastered.
  • Knowledge of Treble/Bass clef.
  • Timpani/mallet instruments req.
    		•

    * In addition, members of the advanced ensemble must be able to recognize and play in keys up to three sharps or flats. They are also expected to tune themselves reliably before each rehearsal and demonstrate excellent intonation on a consistent basis during rehearsals. Members may be accepted in this group if they show mastery or a readiness to master all requirements within that semester.

    Chamber Strings

    Meeting Time: Meets concurrently with Symphony Orchestra
    Registration Fee: no fee / Subgroup of Symphony Orchestra

    Section Requirements:
  • Master of 3rd position, studying 2nd, 4th, 5th
  • Established Vibrato skills
  • Advanced bowing techniques
  • Mastery of Suzuki books 4-6 (or comparable).
    		•